Istanbul vs Lisbon

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Istanbul is roughly 46% more affordable than Lisbon (index 20 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Istanbul
More affordable overall
46% cheaper than Lisbon · Cost index: 20 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

20Cost Index36
1,200Median Income /mo1,460
60Safety Index78
20Income Tax %25
51Internet (Mbps)176
225Coworking /mo220

Price Breakdown

IstanbulCategoryLisbon
$850/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
38% cheaper →
$1,380/month
$0.65/liter
Meal for One
24% cheaper →
$0.85/liter
$7/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
42% cheaper →
$12/meal
$35/month
Monthly Transit Pass
13% cheaper →
$40/month
$77/month
Utilities (Monthly)
47% cheaper →
$145/month
$45/visit
Doctor Visit
25% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Istanbul

Internet51 Mbps
Coworking$225/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Lisbon

Internet176 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul cheaper than Lisbon?

Istanbul is cheaper than Lisbon. Istanbul has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 36/100 for Lisbon (New York = 100), making it roughly 46% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Istanbul than Lisbon?

Istanbul is approximately 46% cheaper than Lisbon based on cost index scores (20 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Lisbon could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,615/month in Istanbul.

What is the rent comparison between Istanbul and Lisbon?

In Istanbul, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $850/month. In Lisbon, the equivalent is around $1,380/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Istanbul or Lisbon?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Istanbul offers 51 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$225/month. Lisbon offers 176 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Istanbul has a cost advantage of 46%.

What is the average income in Istanbul vs Lisbon?

The median net monthly salary in Istanbul is approximately $1,200 USD, compared to $1,460 USD in Lisbon.

Compare Istanbul with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Istanbul wins or loses.

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